Contracts Manager

Waites Recruitment Consultancy Ltd; Huntingdonshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance negotiabl

Job summary

Waites Recruitment Consultancy Ltd is seeking a Fit-Out Contracts Manager to plan, manage, and deliver multiple commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects from pre-construction through to completion. The role involves leading project teams, maintaining client relationships, and ensuring safety, quality and timely delivery.

Based in Ellington, Huntingdon, the role requires travel to project sites and occasional extended hours to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Contracts/Project Manager in fit-out or refurbishment.
• Experience managing projects £150k to £2m+.
• Strong knowledge of JCT, NEC or similar contracts.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel to sites.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple fit-out projects from award to handover.
• Lead project teams including site managers, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Develop and monitor programmes, budgets and resources.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, specs and standards.
• Monitor costs, variations and procurement; oversee financial performance.
• Review subcontractor packages and negotiate where needed.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Conduct site visits to monitor progress, quality and safety.
• Maintain client relationships and drive repeat business.
• Prepare reports and performance updates for senior management.
• Close-out projects with snagging, commissioning and final accounts.

Skills

Contract management

Project management

Budget & finance

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

MS Office

PM software

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Job Title

Fit-Out Contracts Manager

Reports To

Operations Director / Commercial Director

Location

Ellington, Huntingdon

Job Type

Full-time

Role Overview

The Fit-Out Contracts Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering multiple commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects from pre-construction through to completion. The role involves overseeing project teams, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple fit-out projects simultaneously, ensuring successful delivery from award through to handover.
• Lead project teams, including Site Managers, Project Managers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Develop and monitor project programmes, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Ensure projects comply with contractual obligations, specifications, and company standards.
• Monitor project costs, variations, procurement, and financial performance.
• Review and negotiate subcontractor packages where required.
• Identify and manage project risks, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, quality, and health & safety compliance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Resolve technical, contractual, and operational issues promptly.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities for repeat business and referrals.
• Prepare and present project reports, forecasts, and performance updates to senior management.
• Manage project close-out, snagging, commissioning, and final account processes.

Key Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager/Project Manager within commercial fit-out, interiors, or refurbishment.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts (JCT, NEC, or similar).
• Experience managing projects ranging from £150k to £2m+.
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial management skills.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and building regulations.
• Excellent leadership and people management abilities.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Commercially minded with strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Professional and client-focused
• Projects delivered on time.
• Projects delivered within budget.
• Client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Health & Safety compliance.
• Programme adherence.
• Successful management of variations and final accounts.

Working Conditions

• Office and on site.
• Regular travel to project sites.
• Occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines may be required.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Company car or car allowance negotiable
• Annual leave plus bank holidays